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Sunday, November 08, 2026 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "BC Partners" (12 articles)

Gulf Times
Sport

BC Partners seeks control of LIV Golf from Saudi wealth fund, FT reports

BC Partners has revived efforts to create a successor to LIV Golf, the Financial Times reported on Sunday, after the breakaway circuit said it would wind down operations following the collapse of a proposed financing deal with the London-based private equity firm.LIV Golf, which shook up professional golf after its launch in 2022, said on Thursday it would liquidate after losing key players and the funding needed to continue operating.BC Partners is seeking to acquire a $50 million bankruptcy loan from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, the debtor-in-possession financing that would allow it to exert control over LIV Golf's Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, the FT report said, citing people familiar with the matter.Reuters could not immediately verify the FT report. BC Partners and LIV Golf did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. FINANCIAL BACKING BC Partners has told counterparties it still believes a global team-based golf group can succeed and remains willing to commit additional money and time to launching a LIV successor, according to the FT report.LIV filed for bankruptcy protection in September after the Public Investment Fund, which had invested more than $5 billion in the circuit since its launch, said it would end financial backing after the 2026 season. In April, the Saudi fund said LIV no longer fitted its investment strategy.The FT had reported on Wednesday that BC had abandoned a separate plan to relaunch LIV after failing to secure enough player commitments. Under that proposal, BC had lined up as much as $300 million in financing to stage tournaments in 2027, however the effort unravelled after a number of prominent players declined to commit to the league, the report said.The previous deal also collapsed after players made a series of demands that BC was unwilling to meet, the FT report added. The newspaper said between 15 and 40 players had expressed varying levels of interest, but some sought payment of financial guarantees that had been cancelled during the bankruptcy process and wanted the option to withdraw from the agreement even after signing commitments.Among the high-profile golfers to leave LIV since its bankruptcy filing were Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed. 

Dr Amal Abdulla Al Ali
Qatar

PHCC to hold 8th PFAG meeting

 The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) will hold its eighth Partners and Family Advisory Group (PFAG) meeting via video conference on October 29, under the theme “Together We Shape Digital Transformation in Primary Healthcare.”  The meeting will focus on two main topics.  The first will address virtual consultation services, while the second will highlight “Nar’aakom” digital services.  The aim is to hear partner patients’ experiences, views, and suggestions on developing digital services, improving access, and enhancing the overall user experience.PHCC emphasised that engaging patients and their families represents a genuine partnership in its development journey, noting that the success of digital transformation extends beyond providing modern technologies and depends on their ease of use, safety, effectiveness, and responsiveness to the needs of different segments of society.  The meeting aims to turn participants’ feedback and suggestions into practical opportunities for continuous improvement, support the development of more efficient and flexible digital services, enhance the patient experience, and strengthen the partnership between PHCC and the community in shaping the future of primary healthcare in Qatar.  Dr Mariam Ali Abdulmalik, managing director of PHCC, said: “The theme of the eighth meeting addresses both the present and future of healthcare: digital transformation in primary healthcare services. Digital services are becoming an increasingly important part of the patient experience. It is therefore essential to ensure that this transformation is easy to use, clear, safe and accessible to everyone, and that it genuinely responds to the actual needs of patients and their families.”  Dr Samya Ahmad al-Abdullah, assistant managing director for Operations and Clinical Affairs, and executive director of Operations Directorate at PHCC, said: “The quality of healthcare services is measured not only by how efficiently they are delivered; it begins with understanding patients’ needs and expectations and identifying the challenges they may encounter at different stages of their healthcare journey.”  Dr Amal Abdullah al-Ali, executive director of Quality, Patient Safety and Innovation at PHCC, said: “Quality in healthcare begins with people: understanding their needs, listening to their experiences and responding to their expectations. From this perspective, PHCC believes that involving patients and their families in service development goes beyond listening to their views and feedback.”  Huda Mohsen al-Wahedi, executive director of Corporate Communications Directorate at PHCC, said: “The eighth meeting of our PFAG comes at a time when digital services have become an essential part of everyday life and of the healthcare experience. Our responsibility therefore extends beyond introducing these services to understanding how people experience using them, identifying the needs of patients and their families, and ensuring that digital communications and services reach them clearly, easily and reliably.  “From a corporate communications perspective, patients’ voices must be treated with respect, accuracy and care. Their experiences and contributions must be communicated responsibly in ways that reflect their realities and safeguard their privacy and dignity.” 

Gulf Times
Qatar

Official partners, sponsors for Qatar Boat Show 2026 named

 Under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, the Qatar Boat Show organising committee announced the official partners and sponsors of the show’s third edition at a press conference held at The Terminal in Old Doha Port.  The show will take place on November 4-7. The press conference marked the signing of partnership and sponsorship agreements with leading organisations from the public and private sectors, representing a diverse range of industries.The agreements reflect a shared commitment to growing Qatar’s maritime sector, elevating its maritime tourism offering, and strengthening the country’s standing on the global stage.  Old Doha Port chief executive Eng. Mohammed Abdulla al-Mulla, who is also the chairman of the Qatar Boat Show organising committee, said: “We are proud to see the third edition of Qatar Boat Show achieve notable growth, which reflects the show’s growing standing as a key platform for the maritime sector in Qatar and the region.”  “This year, 70% of previous exhibitors from around the world are returning, either maintaining their exhibition space or expanding it through the launch of new brands,” al-Mulla continued. “This edition also sees 30% growth in Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) participation compared with the previous edition, along with new boat debuts, the presence of several government entities and national institutions, and companies taking part for the first time.”  This year’s partners include the Ministry of Transport as Strategic Partner, Al Kass Sports Channels as Strategic Media Partner, and Ooredoo Qatar as Official Telecommunications Partner.Qatar Creates and the Doha Film Institute come together as the show’s Cultural Partner, joined by Bedaa Watches & Jewellery as Official Watch Sponsor and Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles – Mercedes-Benz as Official Automotive Partner.  At the same time, Qatar Airways serves as Official Travel Partner, Mowasalat (Karwa) as Transport Partner, and The Ned Doha as Official Hospitality Partner for the VIP and VVIP Lounge. 

Gulf Times
Qatar

HMC honours person-centred care partners

 The Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has recognised the valuable contributions of members of its Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) and Person-Centred Care (PCC) ambassadors, honouring their commitment to strengthening patient and family engagement, and advancing a culture of compassionate, person-centred care across the HMC.  Held at Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City under the theme Recognising Our Partners in Person-Centred Care, the event brought together HMC senior leaders, PFAC members and PCC ambassadors to celebrate the meaningful role that patients, families, and staff play in shaping and improving the healthcare experience.  The event was attended by HMC leaders including chief human resources officer Mona al-Homaiddi, chief nursing officer Mariam al-Mutawa, and deputy chief medical officer for clinical affairs Dr Yousuf Khalid al-Maslamani.  The event emphasised the important contributions of PFAC members, who provide valuable patient and family perspectives that help inform improvements in healthcare services and the overall patient experience.  The PCC ambassadors were also recognised for their role in promoting compassionate human interactions and championing the principles of person-centred care in their daily interactions with patients, families and colleagues.  The event also featured an appreciation ceremony recognising 88 PFAC members across all HMC facilities, alongside the leaders and PCC champions of each facility. The ceremony honoured their time, expertise and continued commitment to ensuring that the voices of patients and families are heard in shaping and improving healthcare services. A total of 80 PCC ambassadors were also recognised for their dedication to promoting a culture of compassion and person-centred care across HMC hospitals and facilities.  Nasser al-Naimi, chief of Patient Experience at the HMC and director of Hamad Healthcare Quality Institute, said: “Patients and families are essential partners in shaping a healthcare experience that is compassionate, respectful and responsive to their needs.”  “Through the PFAC and PCC Ambassadors programmes, we are able to strengthen these partnerships and ensure that the patient and family perspective remains an important part of every patient’s journey,” he said. 

The MoU underscores the shared commitment of Lesha Bank and GIP to expanding their local, regional and global infrastructure investment portfolios, with a particular focus on supporting the GCC's continued infrastructure development and capturing opportunities arising from the region’s long-term economic transformation.
Business

Lesha Bank, GIP sign MoU for strategic collaboration on global infrastructure investments

Lesha Bank and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a part of BlackRock, both active institutional investors in global infrastructure, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen their strategic partnership, with an ambition for Lesha Bank to invest more than $1bn alongside GIP.The MoU underscores the shared commitment of Lesha Bank and GIP to expanding their local, regional and global infrastructure investment portfolios, with a particular focus on supporting the GCC's continued infrastructure development and capturing opportunities arising from the region’s long-term economic transformation.The MoU was signed by Group CEO of Lesha Bank Mohammed Ismail al-Emadi and Chairman and CEO of GIP Adebayo Ogunlesi at the Qatar Economic Forum (QEF) special edition held in New York alongside the UN General Assembly, where Lesha Bank is a participating sponsor of the QEF.Chairman of the Board of Directors of Lesha Bank His Excellency Sheikh Faisal bin Thani Al-Thani said: "This collaboration with GIP marks an important step in our strategy, as infrastructure continues to emerge as a defining pillar of global investment. By combining our regional insight with GIP's international infrastructure expertise, we are well positioned to unlock long-term value for our investors while strengthening the foundations of sustainable, cross-border growth for both institutions."For his part, al-Emadi said: "We have invested together in a number of successful assets, including a European airport and midstream infrastructure alongside a global energy major. We look forward to further deepening our partnership as we continue to scale our Global Infrastructure Investments asset class, a key strategic focus for us."Chairman and CEO of GIP Adebayo Ogunlesi said: "We are pleased to deepen our partnership with Lesha Bank, with whom we share a strong conviction in the long-term outlook for infrastructure investment. We look forward to building upon our successful relationship to pursue compelling investment opportunities together."Both parties have an established track record of jointly investing in infrastructure assets globally and intend to leverage their relationship to pursue further opportunities to invest together in real assets across global markets.

Sumanta Roy
Qatar

Mannai Corporation strengthens ICT leadership with appointment of Sumanta Roy

Mannai Corporation QPSC announced the appointment of technology industry veteran Sumanta Roy as Group President for Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Roy will lead the Group’s ICT business across the Middle East, and Africa, strengthening its technology capabilities and advancing its regional expansion, with Saudi Arabia among its priority markets.Saudi Arabia stands as a strategic priority for Mannai with the Group deepening its operations in the Kingdom through Mannai Information Technology Saudi Arabia. In his new role, Roy will steer the next phase of growth from the company's base in Riyadh, drawing on Mannai's regional capabilities and global partnerships to build on its technology presence in the Kingdom and support the Group's broader expansion across Middle East and Africa. This will include deepening relationships with customers and technology partners, while widening the portfolio across high-growth areas such as AI, cybersecurity, cloud, digital transformation, intelligent infrastructure and managed services.Alekh Grewal, Group CEO, Mannai Corporation QPSC, said: “Sumanta joins Mannai at an important point in the evolution of our technology business. He brings more than three decades of industry experience, an exceptional understanding of the Middle East and Africa, and a proven ability to build businesses, deepen customer relationships and lead growth across complex and rapidly evolving markets.”Roy said: “My focus will be on bringing together the strength of our people, capabilities and global technology partnerships to create greater value for our customers, while accelerating our growth in strategic markets, particularly Saudi Arabia, and expanding Mannai’s technology footprint across Middle East and Africa.”Roy brings more than thirty years of leadership experience in IT services, business transformation and regional growth. 

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court has authorized LIV Golf to keep paying employee wages and benefits, maintain certain employee programs, and make some payments to vendors and business partners.
Sport

LIV Golf wins interim court approval to access $14 million in bankruptcy financing

* Interim order permits access to first $14 million of $49.6 million bankruptcy loan * Court authorizes LIV Golf to keep paying wages, benefits and some vendors * LIV plans to return to court on October 7 for final approval LIV Golf said on Thursday that a U.S. bankruptcy court granted interim approval of its first-day Chapter 11 motions, allowing the professional men's golf league to access $14 million of debtor-in-possession financing and continue pursuing a recapitalization plan backed by BC Partners Credit.The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey also authorized LIV Golf to keep paying employee wages and benefits, maintain certain employee programs, and make some payments to vendors and other business partners, the league said.The approvals give the Saudi Arabia-backed circuit short-term liquidity as it seeks to restructure its operations and negotiate with players over their participation in the league after it emerges from bankruptcy.LIV Golf filed for Chapter 11 protection in New Jersey on Tuesday, beginning a court-supervised restructuring process that the company has said it hopes will be completed in early 2027.The league entered bankruptcy with several high-profile players owed millions of dollars, according to court filings. It has sought to reassure players, employees and commercial partners that it intends to continue operating while it reorganizes.LIV said it has access to a total of $49.6 million in debtor-in-possession financing, a type of bankruptcy loan designed to fund a company's operations during Chapter 11 proceedings. The interim order permits access to the first $14 million, pending a final hearing.Chief Executive Scott O'Neil said the rulings marked "important momentum" for the league's proposed recapitalization, which is supported by BC Partners Advisors LP's credit business.LIV said it would continue discussions with players about a "go-forward" league and plans to return to court on Oct. 7 to seek final approval of its first-day requests and further relief supporting the restructuring.The company said its objective was to emerge from Chapter 11 early next year and begin what it called the next phase of the league in 2027.LIV Golf launched in 2022 with funding from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and lured leading players from the PGA Tour with lucrative contracts. Its rise deepened divisions in men's professional golf, though negotiations over a broader deal between the PGA Tour and the PIF have yet to produce a final agreement. 

An employee checks machine embroideries at a garment factory in Tiruppur, in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu (file picture). Like most countries, the bulk of goods from India currently face a 10% US tariff. But the Trump administration is expected to introduce steeper tariffs later this month through probes into excess industrial capacity. India has denied US charges of surplus capacity.
Business

An emboldened India holds out for better terms in US trade talks

India says no US deal without tariff edgeExport resilience, fall in oil prices help New DelhiDeal delay risks high tariffs and business uncertaintyOfficials say both sides working, but gaps remainIndia and the US did not reach a consensus on a trade agreement in recent ‌talks, with New Delhi holding out for a better deal as Prime Minister Narendra Modi draws confidence from new trading partners, eased economic risks ​and political gains at home, officials and analysts said.India's ‌Trade Minister, Piyush Goyal, said on Monday both countries remain "fully engaged" in their commitment to an agreement which is balanced and ‌beneficial to both economies.After months of ⁠talks, the two nations failed to ‌finalise an interim trade agreement during US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer's visit ‌to New Delhi last month, despite expectations from both sides that a limited deal was within reach.There was no consensus because Washington did not offer assurances on New ⁠Delhi's key demands: a tariff advantage over competitors such as China and no new US levies after the deal, said an Indian government official aware of the talks."Our position is clear — we don't intend to rush into a deal that is not on favourable terms or compromise on red lines like ceding ground on agriculture," the official said.Washington had hoped for quick trade concessions from a strategic partner as President Donald Trump prepares new tariffs likely to come into effect later this month, officials and analysts said, while India's holdout risks higher levies on its exports and prolonged uncertainty for businesses.Goyal had been upbeat about a consensus but a day after the talks with Greer, he said the US deal would not be implemented unless an advantage is ensured, ​indicating New Delhi's hardened position and lack of urgency despite the risk of higher tariffs.Like most countries, the bulk of goods from India currently face a 10% US tariff. But the Trump administration is expected to introduce steeper tariffs later this month through probes into excess industrial capacity. India has denied US charges of surplus capacity.Washington has already proposed ‌new tariffs of up to 12.5% on dozens of nations, ⁠including India, over allegations they failed ​to curb trade in goods made with forced labour.The US view has been that India needs to earn the preferential treatment ​on trade provisions it has sought by making its own concessions, a US source aware of the talks said.The Indian official and the US source did not wish to be named as negotiations are confidential. The Indian trade ministry and the Office of the US Trade Representative did not respond to emailed requests for comment ahead of the story's publication."I had fantastic meetings with USTR Jamieson Greer when he visited Delhi in June," Goyal said on Monday. "Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to an agreement that is balanced, commercially meaningful, and delivers tangible benefits for businesses, farmers, workers, and consumers in both countries."Indian Trade Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, the top official in the ministry, said: "The framework deal is ready, whenever it is the right time, it will be signed".A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Washington remained engaged with India and still expected an agreement, but did not offer a timeline.The official however added India had at times been slow, bureaucratic and difficult in the negotiations, signalling that no quick deal was likely.Asked about the impasse, White House spokesman ‌Kush Desai said: "The Trump administration continues to productively engage with Indian ‌officials to finalise a historic trade deal that puts Americans and ⁠America First."Rising exports, new trade deals with other countries and blocs and eased economic risks have strengthened India's hand, trade analysts ⁠said.In April-June, India's overall goods exports rose about 15% from a year ⁠earlier despite disruptions from the war on Iran, buoyed by pricier petroleum shipments, officials said.Exports to Gulf countries have recovered to pre-war levels, rising to $5.3bn in May from $2.62bn in March as traders shifted to alternative shipping routes, while exports to the US edged up to $17.29bn during April and May.India is also broadening access to other developed markets, with a UK free trade pact set to take effect this month, and an EU agreement expected by early next year."Indian negotiators have gained some leverage in the talks, given its strong economy, diversification initiatives with other partners, and its strategic standing in the world," said Wendy Cutler, senior vice president at ​the Washington-based Asia Society Policy Institute, and a former US trade official.The interim US-Iran peace deal improved India's economic outlook by easing oil prices, Goldman Sachs economist Santanu Sengupta said in a report.The bank has raised its 2026 growth forecast for India to 6.8%, and lowered its inflation and current-account deficit estimates, suggesting New Delhi has more economic room to hold out for better terms.A weaker rupee has also improved exporters' competitiveness.India is also calculating that some US trade measures could face legal or political setbacks, another Indian official said.A group of 22 Democratic state attorneys general have already filed objections to the Trump administration's proposed tariffs from probes into forced labour.Trade analysts said legal uncertainty over US tariffs, combined with Modi's recent state election victories, have helped India resist a rushed deal.Senior leaders of Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party have argued publicly that trade agreements should protect Indian farmers and small businesses, two politically influential constituencies that New Delhi has long ‌shielded in trade negotiations."India realises that delaying — ​or even abandoning — a rushed deal may be more prudent than locking into obligations whose costs could far exceed any temporary tariff relief," said Ajay Srivastava, founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative, and a former trade negotiator. 

Gulf Times
Business

QCB governor meets officials from international financial institutions

His Excellency the Governor of the Qatar Central Bank and Chairman of the Qatar Investment Authority, Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud al-Thani, held separate meetings with Founder and CEO of WHOOP, Will Ahmed; CEO of HPS Investment Partners, Scott Kapnick; Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of the Carlyle Group, David Rubenstein; and President and Chief Operating Officer of the Blackstone Group, Jonathan Gray, during his visit to New York, reports QNA. The meetings discussed key global financial and investment developments.

Gulf Times
Business

Al-Kuwari meets leaders of banking institutions and global companies in WEF in Davos

His Excellency the Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari met separately with Chairman and CEO of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) Adebayo Ogunlesi; Chairman of the Board of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Makoto Takashima; and Chairman of Julius Baer Noel Quinn, during his participation in the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, reports QNA.**media[406870]**The meetings covered the most prominent issues in the financial, economic, and investment sectors, in addition to discussing topics of common interest and those related to the WEF Annual Meeting. 

Gulf Times
Region

Lebanese PM, Egyptian FM discuss regional developments

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met in Cairo on Sunday with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to discuss the latest regional developments, foremost among them the situation in the Gaza Strip.During the meeting, Abdelatty highlighted Egypt’s efforts, in coordination with regional and international partners, to uphold the Sharm el-Sheikh peace agreement and ensure its full implementation as a prelude to initiating reconstruction and fostering stability in the Gaza Strip, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.The statement added that Abdelatty referred to the ongoing preparations to convene the Cairo Conference on Early Recovery, Reconstruction, and Development in Gaza, with broad Arab and international participation.On the bilateral front, Abdelatty emphasized the importance of convening the 10th Session of the Egypt-Lebanon Joint Higher Committee to further strengthen relations and enhance consultations on various issues of mutual concern.He also underscored Egypt’s keenness to advance economic and trade relations with Lebanon across all sectors, as well as to activate existing agreements and memoranda of understanding to give fresh momentum to the path of bilateral cooperation.

Gulf Times
Community

Why old-school PR doesn’t work in GCC - and who’s replacing It

Dubai doesn’t lack spectacle and glitzy glamour. From AI-powered governance to futuristic towers, innovation here is stitched into the skyline. But in a city where ambition often outpaces visibility, the next battleground isn’t infrastructure - it’s influence. And one boutique award-winning PR firm, Blackspire Partners is reshaping how reputation is engineered and sculpted in the GCC. Founded in 2021 by Edward Bruce and Lewis Webster, Blackspire Partners has turned its Dubai base into a launchpad for regional and global campaigns. Where traditional PR leans on bloated retainers, endless press releases, and fuzzy metrics, Blackspire Partners’ philosophy is built on speed, transparency and accountability. “Our mission is to strip away the smoke and mirrors of retainers and empty promises. We want brands to see results, not invoices,” says Edward Bruce, who cut his teeth in the music industry before pivoting into brand storytelling.The results speak for themselves. Since relocating its HQ to the UAE, Blackspire Partners has delivered millions in PR value, securing client coverage globally from Arabian Business to Nasdaq. Their Media Success Promise — a pledge that every engagement delivers tangible media value — has helped position them among the GCC’s most forward-thinking PR agencies. Why the Region MattersDubai is more than a local market; it’s a global stage. Brands here must reach investors in New York, policymakers in Riyadh, and consumers in Mumbai, all at once. That’s where Blackspire Partners’ positioning pays off, making them among the best in the market.With a multilingual team spanning Arabic, English, French and Hindi, the firm doesn’t just translate campaigns, it adapts them with cultural fluency. In a region as fast-moving as the GCC, that nuance is what separates brands that break through from those that fade.“PR used to be about volume. Now it’s about hitting the right cultural frequency. In the Gulf, that means crafting stories that connect locally but scale globally, and that’s where we excel,” says Lewis, who previously managed multi-six figure marketing budgets for ASUS and Tim Hortons. From Headlines to AuthorityBlackspire Partners’ clients, from luxury houses to sustainability innovators aren’t just chasing mentions. They’re looking for authority. Whether it’s helping a healthcare disruptor like WELL Health land in Forbes or positioning Badr El Jundi, the CEO of Greenverse Partners as a global leader, the firm focuses on stories that travel across industries and borders. This transglobal approach has made them a PR powerhouse that not only delivers results but also fosters cultural integrity. Dubai has always been about scale. But as it doubles down on AI, sustainability, and digital-first industries, reputation is becoming as critical as capital. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum reminds us, “In the race for excellence, there is no finish line.” Blackspire Partners is betting on that truth and helping brands ensure their reputation doesn’t finish in a momentary buzz, but is built to last. For ambitious companies entering the Gulf region, the message is clear: in Dubai’s race for influence, those who master their narrative will own the future.